Ted Potter Jr. returning to action this week

After a two-week break, Ocala PGA golfer Ted Potter Jr. will return to action this week at the $6.2 million Waste Management Phoenix Open.

By Andy MarksStaff writer

After a two-week break, Ocala PGA golfer Ted Potter Jr. will return to action this week at the $6.2 million Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Potter will be part of a field that also includes such elite names as Keegan Bradley, Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Brandt Snedeker and Jason Dufner. The event will be televised on the Golf Channel from 4-10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 1-3 p.m. and 6:30 to 11:30 on Saturday, and from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday. NBC will broadcast the event from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

After two events played, Potter ranks 92nd in FedEx Cup points and 79th ($67,000) in earnings.

STILL ROLLING: Ocala junior golfer Kristine Odaiyar, a University of Central Florida commit, scored another high finish last weekend when the Florida Junior Tour staged its first 16-18-year-old championship of 2013 at Brooksville Country Club. Odaiyar finished highest of three Marion County Golfers in the statewide field with her runner-up (74-76, 6-over) finish behind Orlando's Yueer Feng. Belleview High School's Erica Stoner finished T-7th, (79-85, 20-over), Forest's Angela Gaines (88-85, 29-over) was 12th.

FIRST CALL FOR FIRST TEE: The First Tee of Greater Ocala's 2013 programming begins Feb. 4 and runs 12 weeks through May 4. The program, which teaches children core values, life skills and healthy habits through the game of golf, costs $20 for registration plus $100 for the entire 12-week session. New participants must attend an orientation session at Ocala Golf Club today at 5 p.m. Returning participants may register online at www.thefirstteegreaterocala.org. Also, the First Tee is seeking volunteers to help with the program. For information, contact executive director Chris Wilson at (352) 362-2258.

MARION MASTERS SENIORS: The Marion County Golf Association's annual series of points tournaments continues in early February with the first seniors-only event of the season, the Marion Masters Seniors. The 50-and-up event takes place over 36 holes at Pine Oaks on Feb. 9 and 10 and includes age divisions for Seniors (50-59), Super Seniors (60-69) and Silver Seniors (70+). Entry fee is $70 and Marion County residency is required. Fore information, contact Mike McGinnis, 629-4329.

BENEFIT AT ROLLING GREENS: Rolling Greens Executive Golf Course is hosting a First Tee benefit tournament on Feb. 9. Format is four-player team “red ball,” a variation on best-ball format. Cost is $18 per golfer which includes a free round of golf at Rolling Greens for all participants. Call 624-0511 for information.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Golden Ocala will host its annual men's invitational Feb. 15-17. The two-man event begins with a practice round and optional skins game Feb. 15 followed by two days of best-ball stroke play. Field will have Regular and Senior (50+) divisions and is limited to the first 48 paid teams. Entry fee is $250 per team with a deadline of Feb. 8. For information, call 671-3933.

JONES BENEFIT: Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary will host its annual golf benefit on Feb. 23 at Juliette Falls in Dunnellon. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of engaged classrooms for the school's six kindergarten classes. Format is four-person scramble and cost is $75 per player. Contact Robin 209-0520 for information.

HOLES IN ONE: Aileen Domenicic aced the 107-yard 12th hole at Baseline using a driver with Barb Beznoska, Flo Dech and Barb O'Brien witnessing. ... Donald Keller aced the 115-yard fifth hole at Ocala Golf Club using a pitching wedge with Gordon Perry and Dale Keller witnessing. ... Mike Knox aced the 120-yard second hole at Ocala Golf Club using a gap wedge with Patricia Knox witnessing. ... Ian Taylor aced the 112-yard 14th hole at Baseline using a pitching wedge with Rosemary Taylor, Ed Burgnener and Donna-May Burgnener witnessing.

Submit local golf information to Andy Marks at andy.marks@starbanner.com.